For my Bible reading, I am in the letter to the Galatian churches. Chapter 1 ends with the churches glorifying God repeatedly. Why? because of one person. Who is this one person? We might guess Jesus, but we would be wrong.
I want to answer that question about who to help us understand repentance. That’s a distinctly Bible term, and not one you would hear in media or in conversation. Repentance is a very important truth, and one we must understand.
So, in Galatians, the Christians are repeatedly glorifying God because one person. Who? That one person is Paul. So why Paul? Because of his repentance.
Paul writes his testimony of salvation in Galatians chapter 1. He started out being faithful to the traditions of his people, devoted to Judaism. He demonstrated this by persecuting Christians and attempting to destroy their churches. But, God was pleased to reveal Jesus to Paul; the God who had set Paul apart before his birth; the God who called Paul to salvation through His grace. Suddenly, Paul goes from persecuting Christians to preaching Christ; from trying to destroy the church to trying to build up the church.
The believers glorified God repeatedly because of this work of repentance. Paul had a life change. Repentance means a change of life; a change of outlook, priorities, mindset. Repentance means a rejection of sinful life, and replacing it with joyful obedience of God. Repentance is a choice you make, but you make it because God has graciously caused you. Which is why the church glorified God, not Paul, for his repentance.
To be a Christian requires repentance. Have you turned away from sin? Have you turned to obeying Jesus? Can we glorify God because of you, your repentance?